10 Easy Spring Tablesetting Tips
Put a fresh spin on pastels to create a cheery tablesetting that's the perfect backdrop for a spring brunch, light lunch or even a baby or wedding shower.
Freshen Up Your Palette
Pastels are a natural for springtime celebrations but can sometimes be a bit predictable. Shake things up by layering spring greens and pale pinks with super-saturated shades like acid green, hot pink and tangerine. Ground the varying shades with navy blue as a neutral to prevent the overall look from becoming too busy and bright.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Ground It With a Tablecloth
A neutral tablecloth is the way to go when working with a super-saturated color scheme. This navy-and-white ticking stripe fabric is a classic that still feels playful and fresh without competing with the table's more colorful elements.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
The Key to Using Pastels
A designer trick for working with pastels is to limit them to just 2-3 shades. Lavender, powder pink, baby blue, butter yellow and mint green all scream spring, but the combination can also read juvenile, overly sweet or feminine. So, kick the colors up a notch for a look that's fun yet sophisticated.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Color Up Your Menu
Don't limit the palette to your table linens and flowers, work a few bright colors into your menu as well. Serve up a flavorful salad of fresh greens topped with a colorful array of sliced fruit and veggies. It’s best to always keep the salad dressing separate since guests may be particular about dietary restrictions. Get the recipe.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Subtly Add Pattern
Small details can make a world of difference when setting the table. For an added dose of pattern, pop printed paper straws (these resemble birch bark) into your drinks.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Colorful Centerpiece
Flowers come in all colors of the rainbow. Don't limit your centerpiece to just soft shades, mix in a few brighter blooms for a show-stopping arrangement.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Fruity Ice Cubes
Fruity ice cubes are another easy way to pop in a bit of color. Just place strawberry halves in an ice cube tray then fill with water and chill.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Personalized Party Favors
Give plain cloth napkins the custom treatment with iron-on initials to create a pretty place card that doubles as a party favor guests can take home.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Citrusy Centerpieces
Add an extra layer of creativity and color to your centerpiece. The trick is to use two vases -- one just a bit smaller than the other. Place the smaller vase inside the larger, then fill the gap between the vases with orange, lemon, lime or grapefruit slices and water to keep the fruit hydrated. Get more tips plus step-by-step instructions for recreating this look.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Something Old: Vintage Flatware
Instead of disposable utensils, make the occasion feel a bit more special by polishing and using your best flatware. Traditional silver utensils are a classic and, with the trending popularity of brass, gold-plated utensils are making a comeback.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Something New: Spring Bulbs
Bulbs are one of the easiest plants to care for, just pop 'em in the ground and wait for the colorful show. Turn these harbingers of spring into sweet party favors by nestling each bulb in a moss-filled cupcake liner.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
Not-Too-Sweet Ending
Key lime pies are the perfect light dessert for any meal -- especially when they're served in this just-right mini size. Whip 'em up with our easy recipe.
From:
Brian Patrick Flynn
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